HOFFMAN ESTATES – Public safety officials gathered earlier this week in the Chicago suburbs to discuss fireworks safety ahead of the upcoming Independence Day weekend. Retired Fire Chief Mike Figolah with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance explained the dangers of sparklers.
“Though innocent looking, sparklers account for the majority of fireworks-related injuries for children under the age of 5. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the equivalent of handing a child a blow torch.”
Fire officials also demonstrated if a sparkler slightly brushes up against clothing, it can completely engulf the material in flames in a matter of seconds.
